Mask - Gelede - Yoruba - Nigeria
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 190 - € 210
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Gelede mask of the Yoruba people from Nigeria, carved in wood, dating to the mid 20th century, 33 cm high by 19 cm wide, weighing 690 g, from a private collection, in good condition and authentic.
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Description from the seller
Gelede mask of the Yoruba people from Nigeria. Ex. Private Collector, Belgium. Ex. Private Collection, Paris. The previous owner's name is available upon request.
Gelede masks are elaborate, colorful headpieces used in the Gelede festival, primarily in southwestern Nigeria. These masks are typically carved from wood and painted, featuring human faces with animals or abstract symbols on top. They are worn by male performers during dances that celebrate and honor women, particularly their roles as mothers, leaders, and spiritual beings. The purpose of the Gelede masks is to promote social harmony, fertility, and prosperity, and to appease "awon iya wa" (our mothers), a reference to both human and divine female forces in Yoruba cosmology.
The Yoruba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, primarily located in southwestern Nigeria, with communities in Benin, Togo, and the diaspora. Known for their rich cultural heritage, they have a deep history of urbanization, with ancient cities like Ife and Oyo. The Yoruba are renowned for their sophisticated art, including bronze and terracotta sculptures, vibrant festivals, and traditional music. They also have a complex religious system, centered around Orisha worship and the Ifa divination system, which has influenced global Afro-Caribbean religions like Santería and Candomblé.
Seller's Story
At Tribal Art Finland, we are dedicated to providing our customers with authentic and high-quality African tribal art at reasonable prices. Ensuring the authenticity of our products is our highest priority, and we source our artworks from trusted collectors of African art.
What is Authentic African Art?
In the traditional framework embraced by collectors and dealers, authentic African art—such as a mask—is typically defined as an object that has been used in cultural practices, such as dance or shrine decoration. This traditional use is often understood as ritual use, indicating a role in religious or magical ceremonies. Additionally, decorated furniture or household items, crafted with cultural significance and artistic skill, are also considered authentic forms of African art.
Gelede mask of the Yoruba people from Nigeria. Ex. Private Collector, Belgium. Ex. Private Collection, Paris. The previous owner's name is available upon request.
Gelede masks are elaborate, colorful headpieces used in the Gelede festival, primarily in southwestern Nigeria. These masks are typically carved from wood and painted, featuring human faces with animals or abstract symbols on top. They are worn by male performers during dances that celebrate and honor women, particularly their roles as mothers, leaders, and spiritual beings. The purpose of the Gelede masks is to promote social harmony, fertility, and prosperity, and to appease "awon iya wa" (our mothers), a reference to both human and divine female forces in Yoruba cosmology.
The Yoruba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, primarily located in southwestern Nigeria, with communities in Benin, Togo, and the diaspora. Known for their rich cultural heritage, they have a deep history of urbanization, with ancient cities like Ife and Oyo. The Yoruba are renowned for their sophisticated art, including bronze and terracotta sculptures, vibrant festivals, and traditional music. They also have a complex religious system, centered around Orisha worship and the Ifa divination system, which has influenced global Afro-Caribbean religions like Santería and Candomblé.
Seller's Story
At Tribal Art Finland, we are dedicated to providing our customers with authentic and high-quality African tribal art at reasonable prices. Ensuring the authenticity of our products is our highest priority, and we source our artworks from trusted collectors of African art.
What is Authentic African Art?
In the traditional framework embraced by collectors and dealers, authentic African art—such as a mask—is typically defined as an object that has been used in cultural practices, such as dance or shrine decoration. This traditional use is often understood as ritual use, indicating a role in religious or magical ceremonies. Additionally, decorated furniture or household items, crafted with cultural significance and artistic skill, are also considered authentic forms of African art.
Details
Indigenous object name
Gelede
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Yoruba
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Mask
Height
33 cm
Width
19 cm
Weight
690 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
